Family Minister Plakolm sparks outrage over trans rights!

Family Minister Plakolm sparks outrage over trans rights!

On July 18, 2025, HOSI Vienna expressed criticism of the statements made by Family Minister Claudia Plakolm, who proposed an age limit of 25 years for gender reassignment measures. Ann-Sophie Otte, the chairwoman of HOSI Vienna, reacted with horror and explained that such measures are medical decisions that should be made by specialists and the people affected themselves. An age limit would significantly restrict the right to self-determination and medical care for trans people. This position violates international standards, including the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the European Convention on Human Rights, as ots.at reports.

Otte criticized the fact that Plakolm himself joined the National Council at the age of 22 and made decisions about the population there. In her opinion, the minister denies young people the ability to make responsible decisions about their bodies and their identity. She described this attitude as discriminatory and dangerous. HOSI Vienna calls on the federal government to distance itself from Plakolm's statements and to take responsibility for the protection and rights of young trans people.

Global Perspectives on Transgender Care

A comprehensive report by Human Rights Watch highlights the critical situation of transgender youth in the USA. As of 2021, 25 states have passed laws banning gender reassignment care. This legislation limits evidence-based treatments and leads to serious mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, in affected youth. Over 100,000 transgender youth live in these states, and in six of them even medical care is punishable by law. The report also documents the difficulties families have in accessing medical care.

Many families often have to travel to other states to receive the treatment they need. In Texas, gender reassignment care is classified as “child abuse,” forcing those affected to avoid health services. However, key medical organizations continue to support access to evidence-based, developmentally appropriate care and emphasize the U.S. international commitment to protecting the rights of transgender youth.

The call for self-determination

In Germany, an urgent need for a self-determination law for trans people is recognized. According to Amnesty International, government intervention is needed to end societal discrimination against trans people. The bill aims to abolish compulsory psychological evaluations and allow people to determine who they are. Despite this progress, there remain worrying passages in the bill that could be perceived as a hindrance. However, no abuse has been identified in countries that have introduced self-determination laws, underscoring the urgency of such measures, as amnesty.de reports.

The challenges of dealing with trans identities and the need for protective measures and educational programs are important in many areas of society. Trans women and non-binary people in particular are often victims of discrimination and violence if they do not conform to established gender stereotypes. In order to respect and promote the identity of trans people, profound social education and sensitization is required.